City Island

City Island

Year: 2010

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Raymond De Felitta

DramaComedy

A seemingly normal family's quiet life is disrupted when long-held secrets surface in a close-knit New York City fishing community. Vince, a corrections officer with dreams of acting, struggles to balance his aspirations with his marriage to a passionate and devoted wife. Unexpectedly, he brings home a son he never knew he had, triggering a chain of deceptions and forcing the family to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their relationships. The experience reveals the complexities of family and the lengths people go to protect those they love.

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Timeline – City Island (2010)

Trace every key event in City Island (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction to the Rizzo Family

Vince Rizzo, a prison guard living in City Island, struggles with a dysfunctional family, each member hiding their own secrets. The backdrop of the Bronx emphasizes the family's conflicts and complexities.

City Island, Bronx
2

Vince's Secret Discovery

Vince discovers that his illegitimate son, Tony Nardella, is a 24-year-old inmate in the same prison where he works. This revelation sends Vince into a spiral of conflicting emotions as he grapples with this hidden facet of his life.

Prison
3

Tony's Employment at Home

Without revealing his true identity, Vince gets Tony released from prison and hires him to help with renovations at home. Vince aims to bond with Tony while maintaining the family dynamic intact, leading to a web of secrets and lies.

Rizzo Family Home
4

Vince's Acting Aspirations

Vince has been secretly taking acting lessons and confides in Molly, his instructor, about his dreams and family issues. Their growing friendship offers Vince an escape from his chaotic home life.

Acting Class
5

The Family's dysfunctions

The Rizzo family reveals their dysfunctions, including Vince Jr's apathy toward school, Vivian’s secret stripper career, and Joyce's feelings of neglect. Each family member navigates their personal struggles in isolation.

Rizzo Family Home
6

Vivian's Secret Life

Vivian, unaware of her family's dysfunction, copes with her suspension from college by turning to stripping. Her actions epitomize the turmoil beneath the family surface, showcasing the desperate lengths children go to escape familial pressure.

Strip Club
7

Joyce's Pursuit of Tony

In her search for affection, Joyce, Vince's wife, unknowingly pursues her son Tony. This misguided attraction highlights the web of confusion and dysfunction plaguing the family.

8

Vince's Audition

Vince decides to audition for a role in a Martin Scorsese film, aiming to further his acting career. His initial setbacks turn into triumph when the casting director pushes him to delve deeper into his character, leading to a successful callback.

Audition Location
9

Secrets Revealed

Vince Jr uncovers Tony's criminal past through his mugshot, igniting tensions within the family. He shares this revelation with Vivian, further complicating their already strained relationships.

Rizzo Family Home
10

Joyce's Misunderstanding

Thinking Vince is cheating, Joyce attempts to seduce Tony, leading to a confrontation that unravels the family’s already fragile bonds. Tony's refusal and revelation of the truth create further chaos.

Secluded Spot
11

Crisis in the Family

As tensions rise, Tony decides he can no longer remain in the Rizzo home and steals their car. This impulsive act leads to an unexpected encounter with Vivian, deepening his connection to the family.

Rizzo Family Home
12

The Truth Comes Out

In a climactic moment, Vince reveals all the family secrets—including his acting career and Tony's identity. This revelation shocks them all, prompting reflections on their individual problems and a desire for change.

Rizzo Family Home
13

Reconciliation

After the truth is unveiled, the family begins to reconcile, acknowledging their issues while welcoming Tony as part of their unconventional unit. Forgiveness marks a new beginning for the Rizzos.

Rizzo Family Home
14

Vince's Career Takes Off

Following the family's emotional reckoning, Vince lands the role he auditioned for, marking a pivotal turning point in his life. This success signals hope and potential for the entire family.

15

Molly's Departure

Molly, having played a crucial role in Vince's journey, decides to leave for her own family's sake. Her departure signifies both an end and a new beginning for Vince and the Rizzo family.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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City Island Summary

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City Island Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in City Island

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Characters, Settings & Themes in City Island

More About City Island

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